Regulatory Reform
Wisconsin’s Red Tape Reset
Wisconsin is one of the most overregulated states in the country.
Cutting Red Tape to Unleash Wisconsin’s Potential
Everyday life, work, and innovation in Wisconsin are bogged down by an outdated and bloated regulatory code. With over 165,000 restrictions on the books, Wisconsin ranks the 13th most regulated state in the country. Excessive red tape drives up costs, stifles economic growth, and limits opportunity for families, businesses, and communities.
The Wisconsin Red Tape Reset will streamline regulations, eliminate unnecessary rules, unleashing economic growth and creating a better future for Wisconsin.
Tracking Wisconsin’s Regulatory Burden Over Time
The tracker below shows the number of regulatory restrictions issued by each major state agency from 2020 to 2024.
A regulatory restriction is identified by the presence of certain terms within a regulation, including “shall,” “must,” “may not,” “required,” and “prohibited,” which are commonly used to impose legal obligations or limits.
Green cells indicate areas where the number of regulations has decreased significantly. Blue cells indicate a significant increase in regulations from year to year. If you click on an agency, you can also examine the growth in regulatory restrictions by each chapter of the administrative code.
Data source is QuantGov.org.
Latest in Regulatory Reform
- Legislature Grants Initial Approval for WILL-Backed Constitutional Amendment to Protect Legislative Oversight The Wisconsin State Senate approved Assembly Joint Resolution 133 (AJR 133) on first consideration, a WILL-supported proposed amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution designed to restore legislative oversight of administrative rulemaking.
- Legislature Advances WILL-Backed Initiatives to Rein in Regulatory Authority of Unelected Bureaucrats The Wisconsin Assembly voted in favor of several legislative initiatives supported by WILL to reign in the bureaucratic state, which has taken rulemaking and regulatory authority away from Wisconsin’s Legislative Branch.
- Wisconsin Senate Passes WILL-Backed “Red Tape Reset” The WILL-backed “Red Tape Reset” is one step closer to becoming law after the Wisconsin State Senate voted in favor of the legislative package.
Key Bills to Support
Our Regulatory Reform Work
Regulatory Reform in Wisconsin: An Opportunity for Greater Economic Growth
Shining a Light: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Wisconsin’s Public Records Process
WILL Unveils Open Records Guide to Promote Transparent Government
Reforming the Governor’s Partial Veto: How Should It Be Done?
Analysis: Evers 400 Year Veto
